Moderation: A Dystopian novel Hampered by Its Own Ambition
Elaine Castillo‘s Moderation arrives with significant weight – a longlisted novel for the Booker prize, and a timely exploration of escalating extremism. Yet, despite moments of genuine brilliance, the book ultimately feels fragmented, struggling to fully realize its considerable potential.
A Scattered Narrative
The novel centres on a Filipino-American woman navigating a near-future america consumed by a chillingly plausible slide towards authoritarianism. The premise is undeniably compelling. Castillo paints a vivid picture of a society where language itself is policed, and dissent is subtly, then not-so-subtly, suppressed. though,Moderation attempts to juggle too many narrative threads. It’s simultaneously a thriller, a dystopian warning, a second-generation immigrant story, and a romance. While each element possesses individual merit, their confluence feels uneven.
The central relationship, intended to anchor the story, is especially problematic. The two protagonists, while engaging in their own right, don’t ignite a convincing spark. Their romance feels less organic and more like a series of jarring shifts between emotional distance and sudden, intense passion. For extended periods, the connection lies dormant, only to erupt in bursts that feel tonally inconsistent with the surrounding narrative.
This lack of focus extends beyond the romantic subplot. The novel introduces a wealth of intriguing ideas – the manipulation of online narratives,the insidious creep of surveillance,the anxieties of the diaspora – but rarely delves deeply enough into any single one. The result is a narrative that feels scattered, lacking the cohesive power of a truly layered work.
Razor-Sharp Acuity and a Timely Warning
Despite its structural flaws, Moderation is far from a failure. Castillo is a writer of exceptional talent, possessing a razor-sharp acuity for dissecting the sinister ways in which storytelling can be weaponised. In a world increasingly susceptible to right-wing ideologies and disinformation, her exploration of manipulated narratives feels particularly prescient.
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a creeping sense of dread. Castillo doesn’t rely on bombastic spectacle; rather, she builds tension thru subtle observations and unsettling details. Moderation doesn’t offer easy answers or cathartic resolutions. Instead, it presents a chillingly realistic portrait of a society sleepwalking towards disaster, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the fragility of democracy and the power of language.
as a novel of ideas,Moderation succeeds admirably. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page,prompting reflection and a heightened awareness of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.It’s a testament to castillo’s skill that, even with its imperfections, the novel manages to deliver a potent and timely warning.
Moderation by Elaine Castillo is published by Atlantic (£17.99). To support the guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
